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Artificial intelligence has been around for decades , but the development of new tools like generative AI chatbots and image generators has put the technology in the spotlight .
Internet searches on AI have surged since early 2023 and interest in generative AI has shot up from virtually zero , Google Trends data shows . As buzz surrounding AI has grown , so have policy proposals to regulate it .
Washington lawmakers introduced several AI bills in the 2024 session , joining more than two dozen state legislatures around the country taking similar steps . Lawmakers have a challenge : how to put appropriate safeguards in place without hindering innovation .
“ We need to take the opportunity to develop AI in a positive way ,” said AWB Government Affairs Director and AI lead Bob Battles . “ That means you put some parameters around it , but you don ’ t stifle it .”
State legislators passed two AI bills in the session that ended March 7 . The first bill makes it illegal to create and distribute AI-generated explicit images , and the second creates a task force to advise the Legislature on AI issues .
At A Glance
Interest in AI has spiked with new tools like ChatGPT , Gemini , Copilot , and Claude . AI is helping businesses and workers increase productivity and job satisfaction , and has the potential to help solve complex society problems .
Concerns are also growing about AI ’ s potential misuse . Lawmakers will need to balance between protecting against harms and supporting innovation .
Washington ’ s new AI task force will provide guidance and recommendations to the Legislature on a range of AI issues , and will include input from business and technology industry experts .
AWB Government Affairs Director Bob Battles testifies on House Bill 1951 , regulating AI , during a hearing in the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee on Jan . 19 , 2024 .
AWB supported a balanced task force that included representation from business and industry , which will have four seats on the task force . The other members include state government officials , university researchers , and representatives of labor and community organizations .
The Washington Technology Industry Association was glad to see the formation of task force — and especially to see business and technology leaders included , said Kelly Fukai , chief operating officer for the WTIA .
“ It ’ s imperative that any regulations introduced support economic opportunity , foster innovation , and encourage entrepreneurship while minimizing adverse effects ,” she told Washington Business . a powerful tool
Washington is a hub for AI innovation .
Seattle has more than 130 AI startups and Washington companies are investing heavily into the technology . The state ’ s research institutions are leading cutting edge AI research with the potential for significant societal and economic benefits .
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is using AI techniques to predict wildfires and hurricanes , detect nuclear threats , and improve reliability of the nation ’ s electrical grid . Last fall , it opened the AI Lab @ PNNL in Richland to coordinate thousands of AI research projects .
“ We are a state that is leading the nation , if not the world , in this space ,” said Sen . Joe Nguyen , D-White Center , lead sponsor
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